The Spanish potato omelet, also known as tortilla española, is a classic dish that embodies the simplicity and richness of Spanish cuisine. This hearty and flavorful omelet is perfect for any meal of the day, whether it's breakfast, lunch, or dinner. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a dish that is both satisfying and delicious.
One ingredient that might not be commonly found in every household is olive oil. It's essential to use a good quality olive oil for this recipe as it adds a distinct flavor and helps in cooking the potatoes and onions to perfection. Make sure to pick up a bottle of extra virgin olive oil when you head to the supermarket.

Ingredients For Spanish Potato Omelet Recipe
Potatoes: These form the base of the omelet, providing a hearty and filling texture.
Onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the dish.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and give the omelet its structure.
Olive oil: Used for cooking the potatoes and onions, and adds a rich flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the omelet.
Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complements the other flavors.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When cooking the potatoes and onions, make sure to keep the heat at medium to avoid burning. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking. For a fluffier omelet, let the egg mixture sit for a minute before pouring it over the potatoes and onions. This allows the eggs to incorporate more air, resulting in a lighter texture.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a slightly sweeter flavor and a different texture, but they work well in an omelet.
potatoes - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini provides a lighter, less starchy alternative that still holds up well when cooked.
onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks have a milder flavor and add a subtle sweetness to the dish.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a more delicate and slightly sweeter taste compared to regular onions.
eggs - Substitute with egg whites: Using egg whites reduces the cholesterol and fat content while still providing the necessary binding.
eggs - Substitute with tofu: Silken tofu can be blended to mimic the texture of eggs, making it a good vegan alternative.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil is a neutral-flavored oil that can be used for frying and has a similar smoke point.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable alternative for frying.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a different depth of flavor and umami, though it will change the overall taste slightly.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a different texture and a slightly different flavor profile.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor, often described as more earthy.
black pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika adds a mild heat and a smoky flavor, which can complement the other ingredients well.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store / Freeze This Dish
Allow the Spanish potato omelet to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps to prevent condensation, which can make the omelet soggy.
Wrap the omelet tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Ensure there are no gaps to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing other odors in the fridge.
Place the wrapped omelet in an airtight container. This adds an extra layer of protection and keeps the omelet from getting squished.
Store the container in the refrigerator. The omelet will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
For freezing, cut the omelet into individual portions. This makes it easier to thaw and reheat only what you need.
Wrap each portion in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid.
Once frozen, transfer the portions to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
To reheat, thaw the desired portion in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, use the microwave's defrost setting if you're in a hurry.
Reheat the omelet in a non-stick skillet over low heat until warmed through, or use the microwave. If using the microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
Enjoy your Spanish potato omelet as a quick and delicious meal, whether it's fresh from the fridge or reheated from the freezer.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan.
- Place the leftover Spanish potato omelet in the skillet.
- Cover with a lid to retain moisture.
- Heat for about 3-5 minutes on each side until warmed through.
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the Spanish potato omelet on a baking sheet.
- Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until heated thoroughly.
Microwave Method:
- Place a slice of the Spanish potato omelet on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover with a microwave-safe lid or another plate to avoid splattering.
- Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
- Let it sit for a minute before serving to allow the heat to distribute evenly.
Toaster Oven Method:
- Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the Spanish potato omelet on a toaster oven tray.
- Cover with foil to keep it moist.
- Heat for 8-10 minutes until warmed through.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat the air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- Place the Spanish potato omelet in the air fryer basket.
- Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating.
Steaming Method:
- Set up a steamer basket over a pot of simmering water.
- Place the Spanish potato omelet in the steamer basket.
- Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Frying pan: A large, non-stick frying pan is essential for cooking the potatoes, onions, and the omelet itself.
Spatula: Useful for stirring the potatoes and onions, and for flipping the omelet.
Mixing bowl: Needed to beat the eggs with salt and pepper.
Whisk: Helps in beating the eggs thoroughly to ensure they are well mixed.
Knife: For peeling and thinly slicing the potatoes and onions.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for slicing the potatoes and onions.
Measuring cup: To measure out the ½ cup of olive oil accurately.
Broiler: Optional, but useful if you prefer to finish cooking the omelet under a broiler instead of flipping it.
Plate: For serving the finished omelet warm or at room temperature.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Use a mandoline: Slice the potatoes and onions quickly and evenly with a mandoline to save time.
Preheat the oil: Ensure the olive oil is hot before adding the potatoes and onions to speed up the cooking process.
Batch cooking: Cook the potatoes and onions in batches if your pan is small to ensure even cooking.
Use a non-stick pan: A non-stick pan makes flipping the omelet easier and reduces the risk of sticking.
Finish under broiler: Instead of flipping, place the pan under a broiler to set the top of the omelet quickly.

Spanish Potato Omelet
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 Potatoes peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 Onion thinly sliced
- 6 Eggs
- ½ cup Olive oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Add potatoes and onions, cook until soft and golden.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs with salt and pepper.
- Pour the egg mixture over the potatoes and onions in the pan.
- Cook on low heat until the eggs are set.
- Flip the omelet to cook the other side, or finish under a broiler.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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